Nissan LEAF To Get 25% More Range, Cheaper Entry Model In 2013 According To Report

[ScienceRocks]

Nissan LEAF To Get 25% More Range, Cheaper Entry Model In 2013 According To Report

Base Model

In a report out of Japan, the Nissan LEAF is going to get both a range upgrade and a second, entry level, model by year’s end.

According to the SankeiBiz, (and armed with our Babel fish language translator), the Nissan LEAF’s range will be expanding to exceed 250km, or 155 miles.


Nissan LEAF And Its Alliance Partner, The Renault Fluence ZE (Rio De Janeiro in June)

Now before anyone gets too excited at the apparent equaling of the base Tesla Model S’ range (160 miles) by Nissan, it is important to remember that this 250+ km is on the impossible to achieve Japanese cycle. A cycle that sees the current LEAF’s range at about 200km.

However, while the Japanese numbers (and they way they are calculated) might stretch the truth somewhat, the percentages don’t. If 200 km = 73 miles in the US on the EPA schedule, then a 25% improvement in Japan means the US figure would jump to about 91 miles per charge, passing current ‘value leader’ the Honda Fit EV at 82 miles.

How is this achieved? By ”improving the efficiency of motors and aims to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries installed,” according to the report. Clearly, there is a little something lost in the translation, but a better transmission and more kWhs for the battery pack can be inferred.


Will Nissan's Smyrna, TN Plant Produce An Entry Level LEAF Next Year? We Hope So.

In other news, the report says Nissan is going to offer a second, cheaper model of the LEAF with less range for ¥2.5 million ($31, 700USD) after ¥300K subsidy. The LEAF currently sells at a starting price, before incentives of ¥3.7 million, or $47,500.

A similar price reduction in North America, would price this new base Nissan LEAF at $26,600.

This development if proven accurate, would certainly go along way to making Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn’s prediction of 20,000 LEAFs sold by the end of March 2013, and the significant improvement in sales after the LEAF starts production in Smyrna, TN a lot more reasonable.

We contacted Nissan directly about this report and they decided it was best to not comment.

Nissan LEAF To Get 25% More Range, Cheaper Entry Model In 2013 According To Report

 

[Politico]

When they get to 300 miles and a short charge they will have a winner.

 

[Old Rocks]

Whether the 300 mile range and reduction of charge time is achieved incrementally or through a breakthrough in battery technology, it will be achieved. And, at the same time, the solar that would allow most homeowners to provide their own power for their homes and transportation, is down to a dollar a watt for the panels, if one does a little shopping.

 

[Mad Scientist]

Whether the 300 mile range and reduction of charge time is achieved incrementally or through a breakthrough in battery technology, it will be achieved. And, at the same time, the solar that would allow most homeowners to provide their own power for their homes and transportation, is down to a dollar a watt for the panels, if one does a little shopping.

Then all the taxes that used to be on Oil and Gas can be put on Electric and raised some more! You didn't think Gov't would just "do without" did you?

 

[Katzndogz]

Whether the 300 mile range and reduction of charge time is achieved incrementally or through a breakthrough in battery technology, it will be achieved. And, at the same time, the solar that would allow most homeowners to provide their own power for their homes and transportation, is down to a dollar a watt for the panels, if one does a little shopping.

Then all the taxes that used to be on Oil and Gas can be put on Electric and raised some more! You didn't think Gov't would just "do without" did you?

That's not the solution. The solution is to tax by the miles driven which is the way it's going.

 

[Politico]

Solar powering a home is more than feasible. Problem is people want to live in Mcmansions.

 

[Old Rocks]

But even properly designed Mcmansions can be powered by solar. You just need a lot more panels.

In Portland, Oregon, we have seen a great many people downsizing from the Mcmansions to smaller homes in neighborhoods that live in older developed areas with a great deal of existing infrastructure such as the normal stores and retail outlets one needs for living in a city. Not just because of economics, but also because of time factors in getting to work, and the daily chores that one does.

 

[flacaltenn]

I live close to N. America hqtrs for Nissan. These "Leaves" are all over the place.

Everytime you see one -- remember --- the taxpayers PAID $7000 for that vehicle. Figure I bought a small fleet for some lucky fanatics just last year..

 

[Old Rocks]

Good for you.